North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve Wildflower Hotspot

CDFW will not be offering wildflower tours for the 2017 season.

Description: Created by ancient lava (basalt) flows, the approximately 3,300 acre North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is an elevated basalt mesa with beautiful vistas of spring wildflowers, waterfalls, lava outcrops, and a rare type of vernal pool, called Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools. Typically fissures in the basalt soak up winter rains, forming seasonal streams and waterfalls. In a few places, however, the underlying basalt is impermeable to water forming a temporary pool. Soon to dry up after rains end, only specialized plants and animals adapted to this habitat can survive over time.

Despite the impacts of non-native invasive plant species, range management practices, such as cattle grazing, have contributed to maintaining spectacular wildflower blooms that draw many visitors from near and far to the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve.

For more information, call the North Central Region Rancho Cordova office at (916) 358-2900 or the reserve at (916) 358-2869 or contact Region 2 Interpretive Services

Click read more for more about North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve

Sturdy closed-toe footwear and water bottles are advised when visiting the area. Cattle grazing on the reserve is used as a management tool to reduce thatch and non-native grass species to benefit native plants. Please do not approach the cattle closer than 300 feet.

Restroom Facilities

Portable restrooms are provided in the parking area during wildflower season only.

Directions

From Hwy 70 in Oroville, exit at Grand Ave (Exit 48). Go East on Grand Ave for 1 mile. Left on Table Mountain Blvd for a tenth of a mile. Right on Cherokee Road 6.3 miles north to the reserve. Official access is through a small parking lot on the west side of Cherokee Road.

Special Restrictions and Advisories

Please do not approach the cattle closer than 300 feet.

Removal of mineral, archaeological, or natural resources in any form is prohibited except as provided in CCR Title 14, §650

Removal or disturbance of any form of plant or animal life is prohibited except as provided in CCR Title 14, §650

No collecting is allowed except as provided in CCR Title 14, §650.

Camping is not allowed.

Fires of any kind are not allowed including fireworks, or other explosive or incendiary devices.